SPINDLE WHORL

Two complete cast lead spindle whorls, found in the same location.

1. A complete lead-alloy spindle whorl dating to the early medieval period (AD 900 - 1100). The object is circular with a flat top and base and a central perforation running through it. All surfaces appear undecorated and are worn. The metal has a light grey patina. The whorl is 27.01mm in diameter, 6.87mm thick, and weighs 33.9g. The perforation is 10.43mm in diameter.
   This type of spindle whorl conforms with Walton Rodgers Form B. (Walton Rogers 1997, 1739 no.6563)
2. A complete but worn lead-alloy spindle whorl dating to the early medieval period (AD 750 - 1000). . The spindle whorl is flat and circular with one slightly concave face and a central perforation running through it. The rounded surface is crudely decorated with irregularly spaced raised pellets. The metal has a light brown/white patina and is worn with nicks around the circumference. The whorl is 31.15mm in diameter, 8.08mm thick, and weighs 39.2g. The perforation is 12.14mm in diameter.
   The whorl is a Walton Rogers Form A1 (Walton Rogers 1997, 1738 no.6538).

Note: The 'forms' given above from Walton Rogers (1997) refer to stone spindle whorls; however, many lead examples (such as those above) are of a similar form and shape.

Walton Rogers, P., 1997. Textile production at 16-22 Coppergate, The Archaeology of York: The Small Finds. Council for British Archaeology.